From Australian Runways to Global Wellness: The Inspiring Reinvention of Jodhi Meares

Ever wonder how someone can move through fame, business, and personal change without losing themselves? Jodhi Meares is a living example of how reinvention doesn’t mean starting over. It means evolving. From teenage modeling success to building iconic fashion and wellness brands, her journey feels less like a straight line and more like a wave—sometimes calm, sometimes crashing, but always moving forward with purpose.

Early Life and Coastal Beginnings

Jodhi Meares was born Jodie Kayla Meares on March 24, 1971, in Merimbula, a quiet coastal town in New South Wales. Growing up near the ocean shaped her deeply. The sea wasn’t just scenery; it was a state of mind. Her father ran a local pub, and life initially revolved around community and coastal simplicity.

When her parents separated while she was still very young, Jodhi moved to Sydney with her mother Denise, two sisters, and a brother. That shift from small-town calm to city energy left an impression. She became especially close to her mother and found her own independence early on. At school, she gravitated toward drama and the arts, drawn to expression and movement. Looking back, it feels like those early interests quietly pointed her toward the creative life she would later build.

A Teenage Leap Into Modeling

Jodhi Meares entered the modeling world young. At just 14, she began taking on local jobs in Sydney. By 16, her career took off after appearing in a nationwide flavored milk campaign that instantly made her recognizable. She had a natural confidence that translated effortlessly on camera.

Soon, she became one of Australia’s most in-demand swimwear and glamour models. Her look was fresh, athletic, and unapologetically confident. Opportunities followed quickly, including international exposure and appearances connected to global television franchises. She even stepped into music in the early 1990s, joining the dance-pop group Euphoria and contributing to songs that found commercial success. It was an unexpected move, but it reflected her willingness to explore beyond one identity.

From Model to Fashion Entrepreneur

Growing up around surf culture left a permanent mark on Jodhi Meares. Fashion, for her, wasn’t about trends. It was about lifestyle. In 2000, she transformed that vision into reality by launching Tigerlily, a swimwear brand inspired by bohemian freedom and coastal femininity.

Tigerlily quickly stood out for its vibrant prints, relaxed silhouettes, and strong connection to Australian beach culture. Jodhi didn’t just put her name behind the brand; she shaped its soul. The label grew into a major success, expanding internationally and becoming a staple in resort wear. Eventually, the brand was sold for a multi-million-dollar deal, proving her instincts extended far beyond modeling.

Television, Visibility, and Public Scrutiny

With success came visibility. In the 2000s, Jodhi Meares appeared on television as a travel reporter and later as the host of Australia’s Next Top Model. Her appointment sparked conversation, as she came from a glamour modeling background rather than traditional high fashion.

Yet, she brought authenticity and approachability to the role. She understood the pressure young models faced because she had lived it herself. Live television wasn’t her comfort zone, and after two seasons, she chose to step away. It was a quiet but powerful reminder that success doesn’t require staying where you no longer feel aligned.

Marriage, Media Attention, and Personal Growth

In 1999, Jodhi Meares married media executive James Packer in a high-profile ceremony that drew intense public attention. Overnight, her private life became headline material. The marriage ended in 2002, largely due to differing lifestyles, but the two remained on friendly terms.

Later relationships, including a brief marriage to photographer Nicholas Tsindos, reinforced an important pattern in her life. Jodhi learned to protect her inner world. She became more selective about what she shared publicly, choosing growth over noise. It’s a lesson many admire but few master.

The Upside and a Shift Toward Wellness

While living between Hawaii and New York, Jodhi Meares deepened her yoga practice and noticed something missing in the activewear space. Clothing either performed well or looked good, but rarely both. In response, she founded The Upside in the mid-2010s.

The brand blended fashion-forward design with functional performance. Bold prints, thoughtful cuts, and sustainable materials became its signature. More than that, The Upside reflected Jodhi’s personal philosophy: balance, movement, and mindful living. The label grew internationally, expanding into resort wear while maintaining its wellness-focused identity.

A Grounded Life Beyond the Spotlight

In recent years, Jodhi Meares has chosen a slower pace. After spending time in Hawaii and returning briefly to Sydney, she realized city life no longer matched her priorities. She eventually settled in a rural area near Byron Bay, surrounded by nature, animals, and space to breathe.

Her days now revolve around yoga, creativity, and caring for the land. She supports charitable causes, particularly those focused on mental health and children’s wellbeing. This chapter of her life feels less about reinvention and more about alignment—living in a way that reflects who she has become.

Conclusion

Jodhi Meares’s journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to look the same at every stage of life. From teenage model to fashion entrepreneur and wellness advocate, she has consistently followed intuition over expectation. Her story isn’t about chasing the spotlight. It’s about learning when to step into it and when to step away. Like a tide guided by the moon, her life shows that growth comes from movement, self-awareness, and the courage to change direction when it matters most.